Our Mission
The HINAHO Initiative was founded on a simple but powerful principle: Help Is Not A HandOut. We believe that true transformation comes not from charity, but from empowerment—from giving people the tools, skills, and opportunities to build something meaningful for themselves.
We provide creative writing workshops in correctional facilities across the country, but we don't stop there. Unlike traditional prison programs that end when the workshop ends, we create legitimate publishing pathways through Amazon KDP, turning workshop participants into published authors who earn real royalties and recognition.
The HINAHO Philosophy
Our name isn't just a slogan—it's our foundational belief. We don't offer handouts. We offer:
- Skills that last beyond incarceration
- Opportunities to earn income through creative work
- Dignity that comes from being called "author"
- Recognition through books with their names on the cover
- Economic agency through royalties that support them and their families
This isn't about making people feel better for a few weeks. It's about building something real that they can take with them, point to with pride, and use to support themselves and their loved ones.
Why Creative Writing?
Writing is more than self-expression—it's a transferable skill with economic value. When someone becomes a published author, they gain:
- A legitimate credential recognized outside prison walls
- An income stream through book sales and royalties
- Evidence of productivity and personal growth for parole boards
- A sense of identity beyond their incarceration
- Something concrete to show potential employers and family
Measurable Impact
We're committed to creating real, measurable outcomes:
- Published Books: Participants' work available on Amazon with their names as authors
- Royalty Payments: Actual income deposited to commissary accounts or family members
- Literary Portfolio: Tangible proof of skills and productivity
- Reintegration Support: Credentials and income that aid successful reentry
Every book published is a win. Every royalty check is proof that this model works. Every author credit is a step toward a different future.
Our Commitment
We're committed to transparency, dignity, and results. We partner with correctional facilities who share our vision of rehabilitation through genuine opportunity. We work with authors who are ready to invest their time and talent. We connect with donors who believe in empowerment over charity.
The HINAHO Initiative doesn't just teach writing—we build authors. We don't just offer programs—we create pathways. We don't give handouts—we provide opportunities to earn, achieve, and transform.